The Stark County Geographic Information System (GIS) Department was formed in 2000 to develop accurate, digital base mapping. While funded and housed in the Stark County Auditor's Office, the Stark County GIS department strives to be a countywide service-driven resource of geographic information for Stark County, providing spatial data and solutions, which enable our citizens and local government partners to accomplish their business purposes.

The mission of Stark GIS is to develop the most accurate mapping system possible, enabling all current and future mapping in and outside of the County to be referenced to a common framework.

The Stark GIS aims to create flexible data standards, facilitate and maximize data sharing and integration, enhance mapping services, eliminate redundant mapping activities, and continue to improve the quality and accuracy of geographic data. The GIS collects and disseminates geographic data created throughout the County and encourages Stark County's townships, cities, villages, school districts and local agencies to contribute to the development and utilization of data to be added to the GIS. This program is in continuous development.

What is GIS?

A Geographic Information System (GIS) is a computer system that inputs, edits, stores, maintains, manages, retrieves, analyzes, and outputs geographically referenced information. GIS supports applications such as emergency dispatch, emergency management and Homeland Security, land planning, property appraisal, civil engineering, natural resource monitoring, transportation planning, monitoring crime and accidents, public health and environmental analysis, economic development, census analysis, and much more. It is estimated that more than 80% of governmental functions are associated with managing information about specific locations or geographic areas that can then be utilized by a GIS.

It is important to note that GIS provides accurate digital base maps, allowing different layers to be created, displayed and/or queried. This in turn, allows GIS users to lower their expenses by improving productivity. The majority of the benefits in Stark County will stem from the use of a the three base layers, parcels, streets and addresses. Within the GIS local governmental community the parcel layer is often chosen as the base layer due to the complete coverage over the lands surface.

Some specific efficiencies of using a GIS include:

• Reduction or elimination of redundant activities, e.g., map drafting, maintenance and analysis
• Quick retrieval of geographic, facilities information and other research materials
• Efficiencies in current practices - benefits of labor savings for mapping, drafting, collecting, verifying, reconciling, and using or analyzing geographically related data
• Cost-avoidance decision-making - benefits of accessible data to foresee field conflicts, schedule maintenance, especially in the way of pre-planning
• Risk reduction for loss of records, and savings from efficient planning and execution of emergency response

For further information about the Stark County GIS, contact: